We have been on the go for what seems like weeks. Trips here and there, family visits, friend visits, trips to the farm for our vegetables, trips to Walden for air and swimming, trips to the beach for relief. The truth is, I'm getting a bit weary. All of this summering. It's a lot for a person who really likes to stay home and read and knit... don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the warm air and active children getting worn out on a daily basis. But I am ready for the change of seasons.
I'm slowly getting ready for the school year. We've decided to keep P home for preschool so she can start her homeschooling journey right alongside her big brother. I wanted to start as a cohesive unit, and I think it's going to be pretty fantastic. She is excited. He is excited. He decided school should start asap. I'm saying we need to wait a few weeks...
I haven't really talked about homeschooling much unless asked. I've been thinking about that these past few days. I don't bring it up unless someone else does... maybe because of the reaction I've already had locally. A lot of "huh" and "well, you'll send them to school for first grade" and that sort of thing. To which I bite my tongue and wonder if the person realizes just how deep those sorts of things can cut. I don't know if we'll ever send our children to public school. I don't know if we'll make it past kindergarten with homeschooling. The plan is to homeschool as long as it works for each child. And then we can reevaluate.
But really, what it comes down to are these words that I so truly believe and feel with my whole being:
Our decision to homeschool is not a threat to anyone else's choice about educating their children.
For real.
This is such a touchy issue. And I want to make this very clear on this blog, because those of you who read this might homeschool. You might not. And frankly, it is YOUR decision to do what is best for your family. We've made our choice. It does not, should not, impact or take away from your choices. I will be so excited to hear about what works for you, and all I ask is the same respect for me. I want to hear about how your children are thriving wherever they are. What they are learning. What are their struggles and how you are working towards improvement.
But ultimately, I don't care about what method you use to educate your children. All I care about is that you are doing what is best for your family.
So there it is. I'm not saying I'm going to turn this into a homeschooling blog, but that's where I can feel my focus going and interests leading. I'm excited. But I've been holding back because I don't want to offend anyone. And how silly is that? I want my kids to hear me talk about what an exciting time this is, and later to read about what we did and how things worked and know that their parents were down right excited and thrilled about homeschooling. We are. Changes are a coming, and we can't wait!
So glad everyone is ready to start a new year! It's a shame that more people don't accept it. Like you said, it doesn't impact anybody except for your family. It's a personal choice for everyone.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds exciting. I've never had any interest in homeschooling my kids and I love the school community we've found for them, but I will love reading about your homeschooling. Do what you do proudly, and we've all got your back :)
ReplyDeleteSo, we homeschooled for the first half of Gabriel's kindergarten year. After we moved overseas, we enrolled him in an international school for the second half. And now? We're preparing to return to homeschooling. (Lots played into all those choices... feel free to e-mail me if you're curious to know more about it.)
ReplyDeleteI was initially embarrassed to put him in school; we love the idea of homeschooling and I felt like I'd failed the whole cause by having him go to traditional school. Now, I'm so glad we made that choice: we did what was right for our family in that season and in the process gleaned some valuable insight into what's best for us as a unit and particularly what's best for Gabriel.
I'm excited about getting back to it, but still learning to carefully not take offense when others seem put off by our choices. I'm excited for you all too, and hope you'll share little peeks into your homeschooling journey from time to time!
I like that statement too. Also applies to homebirthing! :) I know what you mean about judgement.
ReplyDeleteWhere I live, homeschooling is a bit more accepted. I've never really had any comments that I felt were over the line. I think a lot of people make comments because they are feeling sensitive and possibly judged. Even if you're not the type to judge-- they feel that way. So many of the decisions we make as parents are so close to our hearts; we agonize and second-guess and always are wondering if we're doing the right thing. So when we see someone doing the other thing-- the thing we chose not to do-- we think that maybe they're judging us for our choice. And we can get defensive and even rude and obnoxious about it. I try really hard not to be like that. The truth is that none of us knows what we're doing, not really-- we're all just muddling through and hoping we don't screw up too badly. And unfortunately we live in a society that tends to think that choices and convictions in one direction are automatically hatred and judgment for those who choose and believe in the opposite direction.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, forgive my rambling. You're going to do great and your kids are going to do great. Homeschooling is one of the greatest things we've ever done for our family. :)
We definitely don't reside in the 'homeschool capitol' of the good ol' usa! The sentiment you express is so important...and I really, literally do pray every day to: First of all - have the heart to learn from and accept and be interested in others. In other perspectives, opinions, choices, faiths etc. etc. etc.....And I pray to have the heart to genuinely respect the same! THEN - I pray that, as a whole, as a society, we can learn this together. I think I carry around a good bit of sadness sometimes cause people are so quick to jump to conclusions and judgement and it all gets so harsh. I, for one, can't wait to learn about all you want to share about this {and any} piece of your journey!
ReplyDeleteschool is such a touchy subject. my grandmother repeatedly questions my kids' socialization yet is always marveling over how smart and inquisitive and gentle they are. i also get a lot of, "i'd never have the patience for that" (who could have more patience for your child than you?) or "i can't imagine being with my kids all day." i just blink and nod.
ReplyDeleteit isn't for everyone in the same way that public/private/parochial/montessori schools aren't for everyone. to each their own. just enjoy your path, love on your kids, and do your best to bite your tongue, right? :)
I absolutely agree that a family's choice does not equal another person's lack of choice. I certainly have imagined that other people think less of us because we home educate. But I do a lot of stuff from home because I need to. I'm a fish out of water, northern woman in the south with a very distinct accent. A lot of people here look at me like an alien from outer space. Parent teacher conferences didn't go well. I have high ideals that kept getting dashed. I knew what I believed learning meant and the public school, even some of the private schools here did not match my expectation. At the very least, I hoped my son would enjoy being in school, at least part of the day. But when he was made to feel like the least successful kid in his class, the one with the messiest desk and the most imagination and playful spirit, I knew that a traditional classroom was a hard place for him to grow. They were killing his spirit. So, unexpectedly, we began this journey of learning at home. I go through stages of insecurity and severe pangs of self doubt. Am I doing enough? Am I doing this right?
ReplyDeleteThankfully, my family, my husband and other homeschooling families have been overwhelmingly supportive. Our boy is happy. He's learning. He has a childhood. That is a gift.
I look forward to reading about your journey and I keep you guys in my heart all the time.